12.66 lakh MT paddy procured in state this year

Bhopal, January 30, 2016 (Ataullah Faizan): This year, 12 lakh 66 thousand MT paddy has been procured in the state. The process had begun from November 2 and continued till January 25, 2016. As many as 883 procurement centres were set up and 5 lakh 65 thousand farmers registered in the state. Five lakh 65 thousand farmers had registered themselves for selling paddy on support price. To save farmers from difficulties, arrangements have been made to send SMS to them about the date on which they have to bring produce for procurement at Mandi. Last year, 12 lakh MT paddy was procured. Paddy common was procured at the rate of Rs. 1410 per quintal and paddy grade (A) at Rs. 1450 per quintal.

Meanwhile, 27 thousand 910 MT coarse cereals were also procured in the state. Process of coarse cereals procurement had started on October 26 and continued January 25, 2016. For it, 223 procurement centres were set up. Over 92 thousand farmers had registered for procurement of coarse cereals. In the state, jowar hybrid was procured at the rate of Rs. 1570 per quintal, Rs 1590 Maldandi, Rs. 1275 millet FAQ quality and maize FAQ quality was procured at the rate of Rs. 1325 per quintal.

Food and Civil Supplies Department had directed collectors to ensure timely payments to farmers against procurement. Procurement agencies have made arrangements to deposit payments every Monday and Thursday on the basis of figures in e-procurement software for paddy procurement. The societies are storing procured coarse cereals in godowns.